Guest P.E. teacher

Hello,

I got to try out a new job today.  Minutes before our class went to the gym for physical education, I was asked if I could run the gym class for the day.  I was happy to hear that they were near the beginning of a basketball unit.  We focused on pivoting, dribbling, pivoting, passing, ball faking and pivoting.  Some of the kids were disappointed that I didn't let them play a game at the end, but they seriously need more work on their pivoting.  I'm sure some of them will be happy to see Ms. D back next week, but I had fun. 

Our tea party is tomorrow.  Four people need to pass in their biography posters.  Five students need to pass in their information sheet.  Those are the tickets to the party.  I'm looking to see everyone in their costumes.  We will start getting dressed for the party at 1:00.  I expect we will be ready to go sometime before 1:30.

We hosted a Bowdoin College student this afternoon.  Felix is a sophomore from New York.  He observed our class from noon to dismissal.  He said he was impressed with their ability to focus on their reading while I tested a student one on one.  I will let the class know tomorrow that they did a good job representing themselves and the school.  The class really took to Felix.  We invited him to drop in anytime he'd like.

I am very impressed with all that Bowdoin is doing to get their students into public classrooms.  I'd love to see some of these bright minds get into education.  We need people with their level of intelligence as educators and administrators.  Even if they don't enter our field, I think their visits are ridiculously important.  The realities of public education need to be understood by all of our citizens.  It is much easier to criticize, underfund, or ignore the system, when it is just a faceless entity.  The relationship we have with Bowdoin is a victory for all sides. 

I'm off to go shopping for the tea party.  I'll try to get as exotic foods as possible.  It is supposed to be a complete learning experience tomorrow afternoon.  Meet new people.  Taste new foods.  Feel free to stop by anytime after 1:00 if you'd like to help out or just take pictures.  In past years, I've had parents help draw mustaches, cut up smoked fish, open coconuts, videotape, make paper skirts, serve drinks, etc. 

Have a great night.

Mr. Shea